Bob (With 1 O) was born December 6th 1926 in Alhambra Ca to Raymond Cleo White from Colorado and Bessie Jane Estes from Arkansas. He was the oldest of four boys and survived all of them. Chuck, Gene and Marvin.
He is survived by daughter Candace Sue Christensen and husband Larry, son Dennis Lynn White and wife Donna, Barry Scott White and wife Becky, daughter Robin Marie Bloom and husband Tom. 12 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great- Great Grandchild.
Military History: Bob Enlisted in the Merchant Marine corps during WWII. Story has it that he went on leave to visit Jean his girlfriend and was A.W.O.L. When he did return, he was discharged. Because the war was still on, he needed to enlist or be drafted, so he enlisted into the Army Air Corps on March 10th 1946. The war was nearing a close and so he never had to see War Action. He was discharged from the Army Air Corps on April 10th 1947 at the rank of Corporal. M.O.S. was Supply Clerk.
School: Bob never was good at conventional school. He made it through the tenth grade. Later in life, Bob went back and received his GED and had a much greater appreciation for education. Right out of the Military, Bob used his G.I. Bill and enrolled in Art School. That was his true passion in life. He was good at it and kept that love of Art. Later in life Bob attended Cypress College and studied Theater Arts and performed in many plays and movies. He even had his own show with Comcast Cable, A Talk Show Called “Bob White and his Animal Friends”. That was so funny because Bob didn’t like Animals at All! Except for birds! He wrote, directed and produced many short films that were aired on Comcast, Making his grandchildren “Super Stars”.
Work Life: Bob learned how to work hard as a young boy. His father had a Hog farm in Compton Ca and the days were long. Being the oldest there were more chores for him to do. So many stories from those days. So Funny!!!! Bob had many jobs…..he worked for a Clutch and Break company, Sears and Roebuck warehouse, as a Furniture mover, Dept of Water and Power for the city of Inglewood Ca for many years, and eventually Owned his own silk-screening business with his wife Jeff for over 30 years, Named BOJE Silkscreen located in Cypress Ca. where he was not only the owner, but the artist and cartoonist for the company.
Sports Life: Bob had a great love for sports. He was a Semi Professional Baseball Player, Semi Professional Football Player, Rugby player. He also he coached sports, umpired for baseball and refereed football games. In the 1960’s and 70’s if you walked into the house there would always be some sort of sport on the television with him up front in a chair watching. Didn’t matter what it was.
He was a Professional Wrestler, and would travel to Las Vegas often to appear on TV. His stage name was “Bob LILLY White”. He was a Heal! A Bad Guy. HE WAS AWESOME!!
In his later years he formed a softball team that dominated the City of Cypress sports scene. Even in his 50’s and 60’s, Bob was still hitting homeruns and very competitive. His team was called “The Clan”. Mostly family members and friends. Both of his sons, his brothers and many of his nephews were on the team. I had the privilege of playing on that team and it was one of the highlights in my life.
Entertainer: Bob played at the Piano and loved to share that skill with his family. Although he only knew 3 or 4 songs he played them often. His grandchildren loved it. When Bob Retired, he had always wanted to learn to play the Guitar. So, he DID!!! He started singing and writing songs for his love of his life Jean (Jeff). Award winning song “I’m in Love with you Baby” Was sung almost every day to Jean… He was a sold Semi Professional Singer and Entertainer! LOL. He just wanted to make everyone happy. Even in dad’s final days in the hospital was nick-named “The Singing Patient”. Many of the staff came to family members to say how happy he made them with his positive attitude.
Cars: His Love for Cars. When he was younger, he would race at Lions Drag Strip in Wilmington Ca. He loved working on cars and owned many Hot Rods. He was a member of the OCCA (Orange County Cruising Association). He was the master of Ceremonies for all of their cruise nights each month and “The Great Labor Day Cruise” each year. Full of Jokes and questionable stories made him famous over the years. Man, he loved that GIG!!!!
Bob will Greatly be missed by all who knew him. Our loss is his wife Jean’s Gain. They are back together again for all Eternity. We all know they are holding each other and he is singing to her and she is loving it!!!
We Love you Bob, Dad, Grandpa Goofy!! ‘till we can all be united together again.
Keep the Jokes and Songs Coming!!